Naomi Osaka has called on influencers and spectators attending the US Open to familiarize themselves with tennis etiquette, following an incident during her first-round match where the chair umpire had to address individuals in a luxury suite. The four-time Grand Slam champion suggested that while growing the sport's popularity is positive, it must be done with a greater understanding of the game's rules and decorum.
"I think obviously, if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport," Osaka said after a later match. "And I feel like it's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette." She added that while she sees the positives in influencers helping to grow the sport, "I just think it has to be in a way that everyone knows the rules and the etiquette."
During her first-round match, as Osaka prepared to serve, the chair umpire asked guests in a suite behind her to be quiet, as they appeared to be engaged in an impromptu photoshoot with portable lights. While Osaka stated she wasn't fully focused on the specifics of the disruption at the time, she later expressed that the noise within the stadium during matches has been more bothersome than visual distractions.
"I do think in my first match, I wasn't really paying attention. I tell people I normally just focus on the match and the court, but there was a moment where there was, like, people shouting, and you could hear it quite clearly," she explained. "It was more the noise."
The USTA, the tournament's governing body, acknowledged the need to balance growth with maintaining competitive integrity. "The USTA is always striving to grow tennis in this country and bring new audiences into the sport," a USTA spokesperson said. "We want all of our fans and guests to have an incredible time when they attend, but we also need to ensure they do not interfere with the action and competition on the court."
In response to such disruptions, the USTA has reportedly increased signage and messaging to ticket and suite holders, reminding attendees of prohibited activities like disruptive noise and flash photography. The chair umpire retains the authority to address the crowd if necessary.
Historically, tennis etiquette dictates that spectators remain quiet and still during points, with movement and conversation typically reserved for changeovers. However, the US Open implemented a "free fan movement" policy in 2024, allowing spectators to move seats during play, regardless of on-court action. This change may contribute to a less contained atmosphere for players and officials.